Inkjet printing apparatus and method for making flexographic printing masters

Abstract

A method for making a flexographic printing master includes the steps of providing a flexographic printing support; applying image-wise on the flexographic printing support subsequent layers of radiation curable liquid by an inkjet printing device whereby one or more applied layers are immobilized using a curing device before one or more subsequent layers are applied, such that a relief with a top hat profile is obtained; and grinding the relief so that the height DT of a top hat segment is reduced. An imaging apparatus includes structure to perform the above method.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An imaging apparatus for making a flexographic printing master, the imaging apparatus comprising:
 a rotatable drum arranged to hold a flexographic printing support; 
 an inkjet printing device and a curing device arranged to print and cure, respectively, a relief with a top hat profile on the flexographic printing support; and 
 an engraving device configured to engrave a printing surface of the relief with the top hat profile; wherein 
 the engraving device includes a laser and a profilometer.